updated 12:05 pm EDT, Fri April 18, 2014

New model could be even thinner

Newly-leaked photos show a front panel claimed to be for the second-generation iPad Air. The photos were obtained by a Dutch website, One More Thing. While the panel is similar to its equivalent for the first-gen Air, it appears to have switched to an integrated display. That could allow a second-gen tablet to become even thinner, or maintain the same size and improve battery life.

Apple may be more likely to opt for the former, since size and weight have been an overriding concern for the company since the original iPad. The Air in particular was a dramatic advance, making the 9.7-inch form factor only slightly heavier than the 7.9-inch iPad mini.

It's not certain when a new Air might be released, but for the past two years Apple has skewed towards an October/November timeframe.